Posts: 15

Topic: Radiation update

Hi all! Just a update on my radiation trearmnets. Appears to be working just fine. I can know eat and swallow my food without things backing up or nursing down with water. Tumor playing around with my spinal roots can no do radiation, as I've radiation in that location already and they are afraid of collapsing my spine, so they beefed up my pain meds to 60 mg morphine every 8 hours with break through meds of hydromorphone every 4 hours if needed. They'll try the pain patch if this gives me any problems. In the mean time the tumor board will be discussing what is best action for the soft tissuse tickling roots. Any ideas of different pain control, please jump in thoughts are weclcomed. Have the bestest day possible.

Re: Radiation update

There is some good news in there! This may be a crazy thought have you ever tired acupuncture for pain? Short of a stiff drink don't know what else to tell you. But good to hear the radiation is working fine. I am curious as to why they just don't go right to the patch? Good work Jeff.

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHINGAny suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.

Re: Radiation update

I'd like to second what Lainy said about acupuncture. I haven't used it for pain, but I've had weekly acupuncture treatments for my immune system for the last two years, and it's AMAZINGLY relaxing. I usually drop right off to sleep on the table with the needles in and feel like I'm floating in a cloud! Definitely worth trying.

I'm SO glad to hear you can eat better-- good food is one of the keys!!

Re: Radiation update

Thinking of you, Jeff, and your family. Hang in there! Happy to hear the radiation treatments are helping.Jolene

"Faith in something greater than ourselves enables us to do what we have said we'll do, to press forward when we are tired or hurt or afraid, to keep going when the challenge seems overwhelming and the course is entirely uncertain." ~g. b. hinckley

Re: Radiation update

Thanks you Guys,Accupuncture is an option ,but I've been using EFT which has helped considerabally, but It is only short term effect for me at the Moment. I''t's basically the same thing except wthout the needles, but I've only been able to gain relief for a couple of hours each time. Lisa, morphine is definitely a mind altering drug, but so far only some wierd dreams. Works pretty good for me, but now I'm back up to the level I was a year ago. So got to figure away to eliminate this soft tissue tumor. Will see Onco in another two weeks and see what he comes up with and we can compare notes. Cheerio for Now,Jeff

Re: Radiation update

JeffI'm very glad to hear you're getting relief for the swallowing issue. As far as the tumor compressing the spinal roots, have you asked about Cyberknife? It's my understanding that one of it's uses is in recurrences in previously treated areas. It might be worth discussing with your radiation oncologist. Is there a Cyberknife center in your area?

You have probably already tried Oxycontin, but would be an alternative if you have too many side effects from the Morphine...thought I'd suggest anyway! And the Fentanyl patch does maintain a steady drug level...always important in trying to control pain, and again may work better for you if there are too many side effects from the Morphine.

Just a few late night thoughts! I appreciate your positive spirit so much...and your humor! Keeping you in my thoughts and wishing the best.

Re: Radiation update

Glad to hear the radiation is working. As for the pain, the patch worked for my husband when the other pain meds weren't enough.

Lisa,

My husband had hallucinations from the morphine too.

Darla

"One Day At A Time"

All of my comments and suggestions are just my opinions and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care providers.

Re: Radiation update

Hi All,I think the pill form of Marijuana is called Marinol. However, I was under the impression it was taken to reduce nausea, and increase appetite? Not 100%. I am so glad the treatment seems to be working Jeff. I look forward to your post you seem to combine information, support, spirituality and the all important- humor, when dealing with this not so funny illiness.Keep on kicking it's butt, you are giving all of us so much hope.Barbara

Re: Radiation update

Hi Bella....and thanks for posting. My husband had also used Marinol while battling this cancer and, we were told as Barbara had mentioned, it could reduce nausea and increase appetite. In fact, my family had been in favour of using Marijuana in any form if it could show to be beneficial to him. I believe, anything that could reduce pain in patients should be considered. O.k. I admit to living in California and therefore, might likely be biased.

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